It's Getting Easier To Alert Other Drivers To The Presence Of Police On The Road Thanks To Google Maps

Google enhanced Google Maps for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to facilitate the reporting of police sightings on the road. Previously, locating this report type required navigating through a menu, which rendered the process more cumbersome and distracting.

How to Indicate Police Presence on Google Maps Utilizing Android Auto or Apple CarPlay

The implementation of police presence marking via the incident reporting tool on Google Maps is being extended to all users, and you should soon observe it in your vehicle. There is no necessity to update Google Maps on your phone, as the update occurs on the server side; however, it is advisable to update Google Maps regardless, as app and software upgrades enhance security.

To report a police officer encountered on the road, utilize the app by selecting the shield or caution indicator nearby and subsequently choosing Police from the Add a report menu. This is the third choice that will be displayed, directly following Crash and Slowdown and preceding Construction. Upon tapping the Police button, other drivers will be alerted to the officer's location on the map, prompting them to exercise increased caution while driving.

Individuals who have previously reported police presence prior to the update will observe that Google has altered the reporting designation from Speed traps to Police. This renders it a more comprehensive and practical feature, enabling you to inform other road users about police operations on the road, such as a car chase or a checkpoint, rather than solely a speed trap.

Nonetheless, 9to5Google indicates that certain displays may be incompatible with the incident report feature. If it does not appear on your touchscreen display, you may report the issue to Google by accessing the Android Auto settings on your vehicle's display and selecting See more settings on your phone.

Access the Android Auto settings on your phone, select the three-dot icon in the top-right corner, and then choose Send feedback. Subsequently, elucidate the problem to Google, and it is anticipated that a resolution will be provided for your specific car model.

Transforming Google Maps into a formidable competitor to Waze

This feature, long present and readily accessible in Waze, enhances Google Maps' competitiveness. Google appears to be gradually incorporating the unique elements of Waze into its platform; yet, Waze's route planning functionality continues to enhance its utility for drivers.

Nonetheless, Google possesses both applications, hence either option is suitable for navigating. Ultimately, the appropriate navigation application for you, whether Waze or Google Maps, will be contingent upon your tastes and specific use cases.